Welch Celebrates with New American Citizens at Naturalization Ceremony in Barre

Apr 7, 2026
BARRE, VT—This week, U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), a member of the Judiciary Committee, celebrated with new United States citizens, their families and loved ones, and Vermont leaders at a Naturalization Ceremony held in Barre. U.S. District Judge Mary Kay Lanthier presided.
“We all know that every country has its challenges, but what all of us today—right here, —believe is that it is up to us, and it’s within our power to aspire to the ideals of this great country that we live in and you, now, are going to be citizens of. It takes each of us, individually, to renew the promise of America—that all men and women are created equal. That each of us, if we put effort in, can achieve our highest potential. Where efforts are important, not just for our advancement, but for the strength of the communities that we come from,”said Senator Welch in remarks to the new U.S. citizens and their friends and loved ones.[We] can’t express to you deeply enough how grateful we are to you for inspiring us to continue the hard work of the blessings of this country, and the acceptance of, the responsibility that each and every one of us has every day to live up to the ideals of this country that we all love together.”
Vermont welcomed 24 new American citizens from 12 different countries—Australia, Bhutan, Canada, Congo, Costa Rica, Germany, Ghana, Honduras, India, Ireland, Jamaica, and Nepal.
View photos from the ceremony below and on Senator Welch’s website:
Senator Welch’s talented team of caseworkers can help Vermonters work with federal agencies and departments, including the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services and the Department of State. For immediate assistance, please call Senator Welch’s office at (802) 863-2525, or visitwelch.senate.gov.
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